Lack of Female Representation

Waking up an old thread.

I live with wife, two daughters and a female dog.  My listening room is the only room in the house where the dog refuses to go.  The two legged housemates like music, but not music while remaining static.  My spouse gets angry when she sees wires and bass traps.

I can’t speak to why there’s a lack of female representation. I ran into an interesting experience, though, in regards to an inlet to my wife having a better understanding about a year ago. She had never been to a brick-and-mortar Hi-Fi store. More attention was provided to her than me which made her a participant in the conversation regarding audio - she naturally garners attention when she walks into a room, but this was different. I think this helped normalize the hobby for her - seeing that I’m not some odd duck amongst our peers/generation (late 30’s/early 40’s). Probably owe that store a beer or two now that I think about it - or better yet a future purchase. Found it interesting nonetheless.

@toro3 i had a similar experience at my local HiFi dealer in Summer'21 when I went to audition equipment for my return to Hifi after 20 odd years out of the hobby.

I couldn't drive at the time, so my partner (soon to be wife😊) had to drive me; I was a little worried, as she had no interest in HiFi, and an extremely casual relationship with music generally, although she knows what she likes, but unlike me doesn't feel the need to go searching for new music/bands/artists. So, I was a little worried my partner would be bored out of her mind, and feel a little out of place in the store staffed by middle aged men, all completely obsessed by the hobby.

I need not have worried; the guys in the store were very polite, accommodating, and shared eye contact and directed conversation to us both. Which made my partner feel comfortable from the off.

This attentiveness only increased during the auditions (several amps and pairs of speakers); there was one pair of speakers we auditioned, (which I won't name here 😜) very briefly - I sat there politely listening, knowing I couldn't live with these speakers, but out of politeness to the chap helping us, giving them a fair shot. Anyway, my partner, I could sense was becoming fidgety, and then proclaimed out of the blue, "I know I don't really know anything about hifi (with a rye grin), but these (speakers) sound bloody awful" 😂😂😂

The chap helping us started laughing; "I know what you mean, they're not for everyone" 

My partner; "I'd have to leave him if he brought these home"

More laughter 🤣🤣🤣

Following this exchange, I almost became redundant in the proceedings 😂; obviously not wanting to be partly responsible for the break up of a relationship, our demonstrator increased his attentiveness to my partner even more, and sought her approval on subsequent speakers 😂. 

We spent the majority of the afternoon in the store, but any fears of my partner being bored, or sidelined in a male dominated environment were gratefully quashed; as described, she became a very active participant in the process, which was lovely. We had a really nice afternoon. 

Big thanks to what is now my regular dealer too, and like you @toro3 ​​​​​​, I probably owe them a drink 🍻😄

Why aren't there more men in quilting or decoupage or needlepoint?

+1 @painter24 great story you shared. 
 

@simao I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a master at quilting, decoupage, and needlepoint - so much so that I’ve become quite the rage on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and aol email accounts.